Every Kingdom
Ben Howard · 2011
50 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven into lush acoustic melodies that evoke the essence of folk storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Old Pine — This opening track captures the album's reflective spirit with its vivid imagery of nature and nostalgia, setting the tone for Howard's lyrical exploration.
-
→
Keep Your Head Up — An uplifting anthem that combines catchy melodies with motivational themes, it became a signature song that showcased Howard's ability to blend emotion with accessibility.
-
→
The Fear — With its introspective lyrics about uncertainty and self-doubt, this track exemplifies Howard's songwriting prowess and resonates deeply with listeners navigating life's challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Every Kingdom showcases strong songwriting and cohesive production, making it a notable debut in folk music.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with softer instrumentation.
- The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contemplative conclusion to the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- reflective and introspective moods
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Every Kingdom was Ben Howard's debut album, marking his entrance into the music scene after a period of local performances in the UK. The album's success helped him gain significant recognition and laid the groundwork for his subsequent projects, establishing him as a prominent figure in the folk music revival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Vincent McMorrow· Hozier· Nick Mulvey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Old Pine 5:28
- 2 Diamonds 4:06
- 3 The Wolves 5:09
- 4 Everything 4:45
- 5 Only Love 4:09
- 6 The Fear 4:20
- 7 Keep Your Head Up 4:24
- 8 Black Flies 6:21
- 9 Gracious 4:57
- 10 Promise 6:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.